Hosea 3

“Then the Lord said to Me, 'Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.'” Hosea 3:1 (HCSB)

Today’s passage comes with the heading, “Waiting For Restoration.” In a sense, it could be the title of this present era of world history, especially for the Jewish people. Many are truly awaiting restoration: restoration to the land of Israel, and most importantly, awaiting restoration to God through Messiah Jesus.

Upon reading modern rabbinical interpretation, there is no argument against the fact that Israel was expelled from the Promised Land because of sin and idolatry. There is very little debate among rabbis concerning the idea that the spiritual condition of the Jews will be restored through the Messiah Jesus.

The debate rages at the suggestion that Jesus is, indeed, the Messiah that Israel has been waiting for!

“Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it, so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word, and might present the church to himself in all its glory, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, but holy and without fault.” Ephesians 5:25-27 (ISV)

Consider the level of love God commanded Hosea to love his wife. Then, consider the level of passion that Messiah-following husbands are called to love their wives with. It is easy to recognize how Hosea was a “picture” of the Messiah. Hosea’s story casts an image of marital love and reconciliation that Jesus would accomplish spiritually for unfaithful Israel. Messiah’s Grace and Mercy are extended to the Church, that is, all who by faith believe He is Messiah and have committed themselves to follow Him.

“So I bought her for 15 shekels of silver and five bushels of barley.” Hosea 3:2 (HCSB)

Can you imagine a husband who would be willing to purchase his prostitute wife just to rescue her and spend time with her? That is precisely what Jesus has done for us! We have been purchased by Jesus’ blood so that we might respond by loving Him.  Consider Hosea 3 against the backdrop of 1 Peter 1:17-21  

Hosea 3 ends with the promise that “Israel” will be restored to God, but do not assume that ALL Jews will enter His kingdom. (Romans 9:6)  Remember that “Israel” was delivered into Canaan, yet a whole generation was not allowed to enter because of sin. So it will be, for all who reject Messiah, having rejected so great a love and salvation.  

This is a “waiting for restoration” season for the whole world. There is great urgency in this season, yet also great hope, in that Messiah extends His invitation to all mankind.